--- title: "6.0L Ford Power Stroke Swap Into a First-Gen Ram Is Total Blasphemy" description: "It's hard to understand why this truck builder would swap a famously reliable Cummins engine with the typically problematic Powerstroke." date: "2023-01-03" modified: "2023-01-03" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/i-cant-believe-somebody-swapped-a-6-0l-power-stroke-into-a-first-gen-ram" categories: - "Builds" - "Culture" - "Ford News" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Trucks" --- # 6.0L Ford Power Stroke Swap Into a First-Gen Ram Is Total Blasphemy ![]() *\Hewett Industries via YouTube\* Most diesel truck enthusiasts will tell you that engines don't get much more reliable than the 12-valve [Cummins](). Meanwhile, the majority can find something negative to say about Ford's 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8 without giving it a second thought. That's what makes this 1990 [Dodge]() Ram that's had its 5.9-liter Cummins swapped out in favor of a notorious Ford "six-leaker" so confounding. Tyler Hewett of the [Hewett Industries YouTube channel]() is responsible for this controversial truck build. If you've never watched any of his videos, you'll soon learn that he's true to his tagline, in which he explains he's "all about building things that piss people off." He also doesn't seem to be big on Cummins engines as he puts the original power plant in a dumpster, saying that's "where it belongs." Clearly, there's some personal bias at play here. ![]() *Hewett Industries via YouTube* You don't even have to be a Cummins fan to hate the idea of swapping a 6.0-liter [Power Stroke]() into a classic Dodge. Ford's engine is usually way less reliable as it often suffers from head gasket failure, oil cooling issues, and critical problems with the exhaust gas recirculation system. There's a remedy for those, however, as any Power Stroke fan worth their salt will bring up "bulletproofing." That's a batch of modifications that involves upgrading the aforementioned components and deleting the EGR equipment completely, which will get you in trouble in most states. Still, despite the Ford diesel's increased horsepower and torque, it feels like a step back given the Cummins engine's well-earned reputation for reliability. Engine controversy and brand rivalry aside, Hewett did manage to pull off an impressive engine swap. First, he had to fit the big 6.0-liter in the Dodge, which was designed to accommodate smaller gas V8s and the Cummins inline-six. Then, there was a ton of wiring to do since the original engine utilized mechanical injection and this one is electronic. Once he managed to fit the transmission, wire everything together, and get the brake booster working, the Ford-powered Ram started up and ran, albeit with a ton of blowby. Hewett then continued the truck's "Fordification" and swapped in some King Ranch seats, along with the matching center console and armrest. With the more luxurious interior fitted, the old decrepit Dodge was brought back to life and ready for use as a daily driver. He took it on some dirt roads, alongside some shockingly brave cows, and it drove without issue. So as puzzling as the engine swap might have been, this "Fordge" is mechanically impressive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u5eebssEkw *Got a tip? Send it in: tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()